FoodMayhem

I stopped into Boma Boma yesterday to grab a cup to go. The service was extra friendly and the coffee was quite good. Good coffee is hard to come by in New York, ironically. The atmosphere is clean and spacious and they seem to make their own pastries so I’ll definitely stop in again next time I’m in the neighborhood.

Minado is a chain of Japanese All You Can Eat buffets. There was once a Minado in Manhattan but it closed less than 2 years ago and became Todai. There are still 5 locations on the East coast and my mom wanted to go to the fairly new location in Long Island. Minado

They really have a huge selection, some good, some bad, some great. Generally, most proteins were quite good but the carb’s stunk and that didn’t make sense to me since I would expect them to want to encourage people to eat more of the carbohydrate items that are cheaper and more filling.

Since I tried almost everything, you don’t have to:

Try:

• Eggplant
• Beef Teriyaki (nice and rare)
• Beef Tataki
• Seared Salmon
• Seared Snapper
• Curry Inari
• Hibachi Beef Rib
• Acorn Squash Tempura
• Octupus Salad
• Squid Salad

Don’t Try:

• Cold Soba Noodle
• Stir-Fried Udon Noodles
• Stuffed Crab Shell
• Raw Oysters
• Edamame
• Hibachi Octopus
• Crepes (made to order)
• Jumbo Prawns (shell-on)
• Pork with Fried Vegetables
• Green Mussels with onion and peppers
• Fried Shrimp
• Dumpling

Try, if you feel like it:

• Udon Noodle Soup (made to order)
• Large assortment of Sushi (fish was pretty good but the rice was dry)
• Large Assortment of rolls
• Sashimi
• Crab Legs
• Fresh Fruit
• Large Assortment of cakes (better than most buffets but not amazing)
• Hijiki Salad
• Squid with Acorn Squash
• Seafood Ceviche

Items I didn’t try:

• Asparagus
• Sauteed Spinach
• Ice Cream
• Hibachi Shrimp Skewers
• Hibachi Mushroom Skewers
• Sesame Seaweed Salad
• Fried Scallop
• Fried Calamari
• Chicken Teriyaki
• Soup
• Shu Mai
• Fried Rice

I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot but this list will give you a head start.

I’m glad I finally found another good place in K-town. I’ve been sticking to Seoul Garden especially for Soon Dubu (Tofu Casserole). Becky introduced me to Choong Moo Ro Choong Moo Ro for lunch and I was surprised to find that they had an excellent Soon Dubu. It was rich in flavor with a nice large clam in it, served in a stone pot on something to keep it hot. I love when food is served hot and stays hot!

Becky ordered the Duk Mondoo Guk (Dumpling and Rice Cake Soup). The soup had a good flavor but the dumpling was slightly over-cooked. The Pa-chan (small side dishes) were very good and often one of the main criteria a Korean restaurant it judged on. Some were a bit over-salted but I was generally very happy with it. The kimchi was good. There was a octopus pa-chan I enjoyed, and of course bean sprouts.

Choong Moo Ro seemed to have a pretty extensive menu so I’d definitely like to go back with a larger group. It also has a slightly nicer decor than Seoul Garden so feel free to take some out-of-town guests.

Ariyoshi Ariyoshi Union Square — what a hidden gem!! I can’t find any press on this place. I can barely locate it online. There’s some place called Ariyoshi in Queens but I don’t know if it’s associated. They are associated with one location in Midtown Ariyoshi Midtown according to their business card.

Ariyoshi has prices like your average neighborhood Japanese restaurant but really takes quality seriously. The attention to detail is impressive in every way. The flavors are well thought out and delicate. The presentation is a study in what Japanese food is all about. We ordered the Sashimi platter which was architected beautifully with very fresh fish. Both of us kept talking about how good it was for such average prices. We also ordered a seafood stone BBQ set which included shrimp, scallops, white tuna, pepper, and three types of mushroom and a little stone grill. At first I thought it wasn’t going to cook the food since the flame looked so light but everything came out perfectly. The two sauces were also quite good. One sesame and one similar to a tempura dipping sauce. Lon and I were truly both impressed.

The menu is huge so I can’t wait to visit this place again and again to try everything else.

Hummus Place is up to three locations now, East Village Hummus Place-EV, West Village Hummus Place-WV, and the Upper West Side Hummus Place-UWS. While everyone is raving about the hummus, I’d like to turn the spotlight onto their pita! The hummus is very good, but the pita is the best pita in NYC.
The texture is incredible. I like their green sauce too.